MoD Inks Two Contracts Worth Rs 62,700 Crore with HAL for Delivery of 156 LCH Prachand to the Armed Forces.
Defence
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based 'Navratna' Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence, for the supply of 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, along with associated training and equipment, at a total cost of Rs 62,700 crore, excluding taxes.
- The contracts were signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD, and are aimed at enhancing the combat capability of the Armed Forces at high altitudes.
Main Point :- (i) According to MoD, the first contract is for the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the second is for the supply of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army (IA).
(ii) The supply of these LCHs is expected to begin from the third year (2027-28) and will be spread over the next five years.
(iii) The 156 LCHs will be manufactured at HAL's helicopter factories located in Bengaluru and Tumkur, Karnataka, with an annual production rate of 30 LCHs.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Dr. D.K. Sunil
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
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